Light Up Lakewood sparks holiday wonderment downtown

CHRISTINA TESAR/SUN NEWSGabriel Cosgriff, 5, of Lakewood, stands underneath a street lamp at the corner of Belle and Detroit avenues with his tongue out trying to catch snowflakes made from a snow machine during the Light Up Lakewood festivities on Dec. 3. .

Detroit Avenue was unrecognizable.

And by the end of the night, Lakewood’s main thoroughfare had been transformed to an illuminated winter wonderland.

The fifth annual Light Up Lakewood brought thousands of residents to the downtown area. Events and activities had been taking place all day, but the real fun began at the corner of Bunts Avenue as the first-ever winter parade stepped off and headed west.

Highlighting some of the most engaged and active community organizations, the parade was a creative preamble to the rest of the evening. And heralding the arrival of Santa Claus, it was a sure thing that the holidays were here.

As the skies went dark, Detroit Avenue gathered together the growing crowd. City representatives spoke about just what it is that makes Lakewood the perfect setting for an event like this.

When it was time for the lighting ceremony, the city threw yet another surprise at the residents.

CRACK! BOOM!

Fireworks exploded over the skyline and lit up thousands of smiles.

The night continued with plenty of entertainment and activities for residents of all ages. Creating a festival atmosphere with a season of holiday cheer around every corner, Light Up Lakewood ushered in a month of fun and family like only this city can.

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